**February 5, 2008**
Charlie Newcomb worked hard to get her life back together. But all that is shaken when she’s set upon by three vampires desperate to transform her beauty into something evil. Because Charlie is the vital link to something they want — and need. It’s Charlie’s flesh and blood sister, a medical scientist whose knowledge could be invaluable to the predators.
But to get to her, they must first get to Charlie, now under the intimate protection of Ethan McCabe. As her Guardian, Ethan is attracted to her vulnerabilities — as well as her strengths. The closer he gets, the more protecting her becomes not just his duty, but his desire. But will it be enough to save Charlie when the demon night falls?
Next up from Meljean! A paranormal cowboy romance… ’tis enough to bring tears to my eyes I tell ya. WoOT! Now lets just hope she gets it in under 100000 pages.
Chapter One
“So this cowboy walks into a bar…”
To Charlie Newcomb’s relief, a chorus of male groans drowned out the rest and her automatic please God, kill me now response died after please God. There were days she’d rather stab a cocktail umbrella through her eardrum than hear another “walked into a bar” joke.
Thanks to the group of bachelors roosting at the end of her counter in Cole’s Hard Time Bar and Grill, this had just become one of those days.
“No, wait. Wait!” Her tormentor’s voice was abnormally loud, but Charlie knew it wasn’t just the drink. He’d been obnoxious before she’d set the first reduced-calorie beer in front of him. “It’s a good one.”
“Stevens, you dumbshit, there’s no such thing as a good one,” someone said as Charlie began unloading the small dishwasher beneath the bar, and she felt an instant of hope. A possible ally existed among the assholes. “Yo, bartender lady!”
How many ways are there to say I really can’t wait for this book? I should probably learn to say that phrase in about 10 languages…hey, that’s a thought!
It is *so* not under 100000
pageswords. Sigh. I swear I tried. We’ll see what happens in revisions 😀And I *heart* Rosie.
(slinks away with red pen in hand)
Read the excerpt and was immediately sucked in, really looking forward to next February!
Love this cover. Love Meljean’s writing. Really, this is a guaranteed winner.
Off to beg publisher for an ARC…
They aren’t done yet. tra la la
You are not a nice person…
HK – I keep telling her that but she just laughs at me. I’m beginning to think Sybs couldn’t give a rats arse for what we think of her. Whatcha wanna bet? 😉
I am nice! Damn it!
bwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh